On the magnetization textures in NiPd nanostructures

TL;DR

This study investigates unique magnetization textures in NiPd nanostructures, revealing complex domain patterns influenced by anisotropy and temperature, supported by experimental imaging and theoretical modeling.

Contribution

It introduces a thermal stress relaxation model explaining the observed magnetization textures, supported by elastic calculations and micromagnetic simulations.

Findings

Diamond-like domains with strong lateral charges observed

Stripe structures indicating transverse and perpendicular anisotropy

Anisotropy effects become more pronounced at lower temperatures

Abstract

We have observed peculiar magnetization textures in Ni$_{80}$Pd$_{20}$ nanostructures using three different imaging techniques: magnetic force microscopy, photoemission electron microscopy under polarized X-ray absorption, and scanning electron microscopy with polarization analysis. The appearances of diamond-like domains with strong lateral charges and of weak stripe structures bring into evidence the presence of both a transverse and a perpendicular anisotropy in these nanostrips. This anisotropy is seen to reinforce as temperature decreases, as testified by a simplified domain structure at 150 K. A thermal stress relaxation model is proposed to account for these observations. Elastic calculations coupled to micromagnetic simulations support qualitatively this model.